How to Dispose of a Toilet: A Simple Removal Guide

Let’s be honest, removing a toilet isn’t exactly the most glamorous task. It’s not the kind of DIY project you’ll be bragging about later, but if you’re installing a new one, the old toilet has to find a new home. The tricky part is figuring out where that “new home” is. Toilets are heavy, messy, and definitely not treated like your everyday household rubbish.

First things first: toilets are usually porcelain.

Most standard toilets are made of porcelain. They’re strong, brittle, and surprisingly heavy – once you’ve unbolted it from the floor it’s pretty tricky to pick them up. A standard toilet bowl plus cistern can easily weigh between 25-40kg. Plus, they’re awkwardly shaped, making them a challenge to carry.

When it comes to waste disposal, porcelain is often categorised with “hardcore” or rubble, just like bricks or tiles. This means it typically goes into builders’ waste rather than your regular household bins.

Breaking it Down

You don’t always have to dispose of the entire toilet at once. A toilet is made up of different parts, and not all of them need to be handled the same way.

• Cistern – this often comes off separately. If it’s porcelain, it should go with the rubble. If it’s plastic, you might be able to recycle it with plastics, but that can vary.

• Seat and lid – usually made of plastic or wood. These need to be dealt with separately. They can go in household waste if your local authority allows it.

• Internal fittings – flush valves, ballcocks, and the float arms, mostly plastic or rubber, with some metal. It’s worth separating these if you can.

Taking it apart makes the load lighter and sometimes easier to dispose of without shelling out for bulk waste removal.

Skips & Toilets

If you’ve rented a skip from ProSkip London for a larger project, a toilet can usually go in there. It counts as inert waste, just like bricks, concrete, and tiles.

A couple of things to keep in mind:

• Too many toilets (like from a big clearance) can overload the skip by weight.

• Porcelain shards can be sharp, so if you’ve broken the toilet to make it fit, be sure to cover or bag it to prevent accidents.

Give ProSkip a call to discuss how to dispose of a toilet and for hiring a skip in London.

Can Councils Collect Your Toilet?

When it comes to getting rid of bulky waste, especially if you’re not in the middle of a big renovation, your local council is your best bet if you don’t have a skip. Many councils offer bulky item collection for a fee. You just book it, they send a truck, and voilà, your old toilet is gone without you having to lift it more than a few feet to the curb.

Keep in mind, there are usually some rules to follow. You might need to have it outside by a certain time, and while they might take a whole toilet, they often won’t accept loose rubble. Each council has its own guidelines, so it’s a good idea to check before you haul it out.

Other Disposal Options

Some waste recycling centres will take toilets as part of their hardcore section. You’ll need to drive it there, unload the toilet from your car, and throw it in with the rubble. Just a heads up, wear gloves because broken porcelain can cut you.

If your toilet is still in decent shape, you might have some luck with reclamation yards. They’re less likely to take toilets than baths, but if it’s a vintage model, it’s worth giving them a call.

Safety Tips That Often Get Overlooked

Make sure to drain it completely before moving it. Tilt the pan, and you’ll likely find some water hiding in there.

• Bag up any small parts separately. Don’t leave loose screws or washers rattling around inside the cistern.

• Lift it carefully. Even in pieces, porcelain can be heavier than it looks.

• If you’re transporting it yourself, protect your car with an old blanket or some cardboard to prevent any gouges in the boot lining.

Local Regulations Still Matter

This is where people often get tripped up. Waste disposal rules aren’t the same everywhere; they vary by location. What one council considers hardcore might not be the same for another. Some councils will collect toilets as bulky waste, while others will direct you to a recycling yard. And be aware that fines for illegal dumping can be hefty, so it’s worth making that quick call to clarify.

Final Thoughts on How to Dispose of a Toilet

Toilets aren’t exactly keepsakes. Once they’re out, they’re just an awkward piece of junk that needs to go. Whether you decide to smash it up and bag it, schedule a council pickup, or toss it in a skip, knowing the rules and contacting ProSkip ahead of time makes the whole process a lot smoother.